Swan Meadow is the artist collective consisting of Mel (they/them) and Fern (they/he) Meadow, along with a rotating group of local and visiting trans and queer artists in our retail / printing / community space in St Louis, MO. We are home to 2 Riso printers (named Donna and Cameron), 10 colors, and print for Queer artists in STL and beyond. Mel also uses the space as a studio for shooting, developing, and scanning their own film using sustainable, non-toxic methods. The heart of Swan Meadow lies in highlighting alternative artistic techniques, exploring new methods, and celebrating the collective knowledge, skills, and creations of Queer artists.

Artist Statement

Mel, a media scholar with a concentration on Queer film makers, specializes in photography, with a soft spot for film and portraiture; Fern, while classically trained in painting and drawing, is a digital illustrator working in various print forms. Our work explores the experiences of marginalized communities and their intersections with nature and mental health through visual storytelling. We’re interested in understanding the impact of capitalism on the creation and visibility of art forms associated with marginalized communities, particularly more analog and DIY forms like zines, film photography, and risograph printing.